Cricket Highlights, June 21: T20 WC 2024 (Match 45) – South Africa vs England

South Africa vs England (Match 45) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 match between South Africa and England, where South Africa emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter. Overcoming several tense moments in Saint Lucia, South Africa managed to defeat the defending champions and maintain their unbeaten record in the tournament, positioning themselves on the cusp of the semi-finals..

South Africa defeated England, the reigning champions, in an exciting match in Saint Lucia to preserve their spotless record in the T20 World Cup 2024 and move closer to the semi-finals despite a few scares along the way.

South Africa’s innings began promisingly with 63 runs in the powerplay, but their momentum slowed, managing only an additional 100 runs in the subsequent 14 overs. On a pitch that played slower than anticipated, their decision to include just one specialist spinner seemed questionable, especially as he was bowled out by the 13th over. Their fast bowlers struggled to adapt to the pace-off strategy, conceding 52 runs in the crucial three overs between the 15th and 17th, leaving England needing just 25 runs off the last 18 balls.

England’s strategy against Quinton de Kock involved opening the bowling with Reece Topley and Moeen Ali, who had previously troubled de Kock. However, de Kock managed to counter their plans, hitting Moeen for a four and a six, and then targeting Jofra Archer, who’s first over cost 21 runs, with de Kock scoring 17 of them. 

De Kock tied Aaron Jones for the fastest half-century of the tournament with his fifty off just 22 balls. On 58, he barely made it out as the TV umpire reversed Mark Wood’s catch. Only seven more runs were scored by De Kock before he was removed by Archer off a short, slower ball.

Buttler then showcased his fielding prowess, first with a remarkable one-handed catch to dismiss de Kock and then with an extraordinary run-out of Heinrich Klaasen. Klaasen hesitated in response to David Miller’s call for a run, and Buttler’s quick reflexes and precision throw left Klaasen well short of his ground.

Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, their spinners, did a great job, taking 2 for 45 in seven overs. Reece Topley bowled four overs with only 23 runs conceded, which was economical, while Harry Brook scored his first T20 World Cup fifty. Although the top order’s shot selection might come under scrutiny

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Kagiso Rabada turned the game in South Africa’s favor when he dismissed Liam Livingstone with a full toss, celebrating exuberantly. He conceded only four runs in his final over, setting the stage for Marco Jansen, who bowled an excellent penultimate over, giving away just seven runs. 

South Africa’s fielding was equally impressive. Reeza Hendricks took a stunning catch to dismiss Phil Salt, leaping to his left to grab the ball two-handed off Rabada. Although Klaasen dropped Jonny Bairstow off Rabada, Nortje compensated with a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Bairstow off Keshav Maharaj. Klaasen redeemed himself by catching Jos Buttler at deep mid-wicket off Maharaj.

Anrich Nortje had 13 runs to defend in the final over. He started strong with Aiden Markram’s superb catch dismissing Harry Brook on the first ball. Nortje’s tight, full-length bowling restricted England to six runs, securing South Africa’s victory.

The match climaxed with Markram’s incredible catch in the final over, running back from mid-on to dismiss Harry Brook, who was on 53. This catch was the pivotal moment that turned the game decisively in South Africa’s favor.

As England needed 77 runs from the last six overs, Rabada’s 15th over, which conceded 18 runs including a six from Livingstone, eased some pressure off England. However, Lizaad Williams’ 17th over was more costly, with four consecutive full tosses that Livingstone and Brook punished for boundaries. Despite this, South Africa’s seamers held their nerve in the final overs to secure a thrilling victory.

South Africa vs England Scoreboard

South Africa – 163/6 (20.0)

England – 156/6(20.0)

Result – South Africa won by 7 runs

Player of the match – Quinton De Kock

Quinton De Kock

South Africa vs England Playing XIs

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